Ford Seeks Buyers for Idled Plants in Russia

Ford Motor Co., which is closing three factories in Russia, says it is ready to sell two of the shuttered facilities.

Ford of Europe Chairman Steven Armstrong tells Automotive News that several companies have expressed interest in the properties.

The company confirmed in March it would phase out engine assembly in Elabuga and end car production this month in Vsevolozhsk (Focus and Mondeo sedans) and Naberezhnye Chelny (Fiesta superminis and EcoSport small crossover vehicles).

Ford will continue to make Ford Transit commercial vans at the Naberezhnye Chelny facility.

The company has operated in Russia through a and 8-year-old joint venture with Sollers PJSC, the country’s second-largest carmaker after Lada. The plant closures give Sollers a controlling 51% stake in the remaining business.